Rotary Student of the Quarter, Cassie Davis

They say, "actions speak louder than words." This quote could not be more accurate in describing Cassie Davis, a senior at Unionville High School. Cassie is the embodiment of the Rotary Club motto: "Service over Self". Unionville High School Counselor Rob Howard agrees, noting that Cassie "not only serves others but aims to do everything as well as she possibly can in life, a model student, and it is clear that she has a true love for learning." Her compassion for others is seen through her work in teaching, volunteering, and working, on both regional and global levels. 

On an international scale, Cassie tutors online on Schoolhouse.world and helps students with the Reading and Writing section of the SAT assessment. She does it as she believes that "if I have the knowledge and skill, then I see no reason not to". She also highlights that the ability to aid others is both a gift and a responsibility. Cassie has tutored numerous times and finds it enjoyable through connecting with learners worldwide and creating slideshows to help them learn. 

On a local level, Cassie helps out various organizations and is extremely immersed and involved in the community. At school, she is a part of numerous clubs such as Technology Student Association (TSA), Unionville Post, National Honors Society (NHS), French Honors Society (FHS), and the Period Project. Some of the above, including NHS and FHS, give her the chance to connect with students that she does not often get the opportunity to talk to and talk with her friends. They also allow Cassie to give back to the community, such as through helping the French language department in the display of bulletin boards. 

In addition to involvement in clubs, Cassie is also a volunteer for the Unionville Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and the Unionville Marching Band. For instance, she assisted with the set up of the end-of-year Sincerely Seniors event and for when Mr. Crater became the principal of Unionville High School. For the UHS Marching Band, she aided the March on the Brandywine event. 

Not only has Cassie been helping out in the community in recent years, but she has also begun helping out ever since she was in Kindergarten, when she first became a member of Girl Scouts. Through Girl Scouts, she has been able to be a part of many volunteer opportunities, really become immersed in the community, converse with numerous people, and see various parts of the town. This experience truly means a lot to her as Cassie "likes to talk to people, learn from them, and hopefully teach them a few things as well." 

Lastly, over the past two summers, Cassie began her first job, working at the Brandywine Battlefield. She helped out at a summer camp with a basis in two things she adores: history and learning. Here, she discussed the revolutionary war and colonial life with younger children. Cassie also engaged in similar activities at the Chadds Ford Historical Society, which she calls "a wonderful volunteering experience I would love to do again." At this institution, she took a hands-on approach where she walked and engaged with nature. In both experiences, Cassie received the opportunity to work with young students and connect with them over history. For Cassie, the reason she loves history is because it allows for her to have the chance to continue telling stories of the past and be able to share these stories, an action that means the world to her and is considered an "absolute joy and blast." 

Cassie volunteers because she enjoys helping, teaching and connecting with people. She genuinely believes that if she is able to brighten the day of even just one singular person, she feels content and accomplished. 

After receiving the award, Cassie felt "very honored to be recognized by such a wonderful organization." The opportunity meant a lot to her as she appreciated being able to share her accomplishments with quite a great deal of people. She notes that she was "a little nervous giving the presentation, but was happy to share with attendees how important she feels it is to make connections and give back." 

Regarding her plans for higher-level education, Cassie is currently undecided in terms of college choice. She has been accepted into Lebanon Valley and is applying to several other colleges. However, she knows she would like to become a teacher and desires to pursue a career in history and education, as telling stories is a crucial action for her. No matter where she ends up going though, Cassie knows she wants to be involved in terms of volunteering and club engagement. It means a lot for her to possess those connections, talk to people, and continue learning.